Get ready to explore the seas in a whole new way! 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for cruise enthusiasts, with a number of innovative and exciting new ships set to make their debut. From groundbreaking designs and state-of-the-art technology to unparalleled dining experiences and unforgettable itineraries, these new vessels promise to redefine the meaning of a luxury cruise holiday. Join us as we delve into the details of the most anticipated cruise ship launches of 2025, each offering a unique experience for every type of traveller. The question is, which one are you most excited to set sail on?
AmaMagdalena – AmaWaterways
Inaugural Sailing Date: 15th March 2025 Maximum Capacity: 60 guests Sailing: Magdalena River, Colombia
We’re incredibly excited about the launch of the AmaMagdalena, a new ship from AmaWaterways, which has been specially designed to make the most of the beautiful views along the Magdalena River in Colombia. With a smaller capacity of just 60 guests, this ship promises an intimate river cruise experience, with luxurious staterooms ranging from 237 to 516 sq. ft, each boasting both a French and outside balcony. Guests can look forward to relaxing by the sun deck pool, enjoying a massage, or keeping up with their fitness regime in the onboard fitness room. The AmaMagdalena offers a unique opportunity to explore the stunning scenery of Colombia in comfort and style, we can’t wait for our guests to experience cruising in this unique part of South America with the chance to explore the vibrant city of Cartagena before or after the cruise.
Norwegian Aqua – Norwegian Cruise Line
Inaugural Sailing Date: 28th March 2025 Maximum Capacity: 4,224 guests Homeport: Port Canaveral, Florida
We’re anticipating the debut of the Norwegian Aqua, the first of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Prima Plus Class, in April 2025. This ship marks an evolution in the brand’s design with more expansive outdoor spaces and unobstructed scenic views, promising an elevated holiday experience. A first for NCL is the introduction of three-bedroom duplex suites in The Haven by Norwegian. The Norwegian Aqua will also feature a world’s first hybrid coaster called the Aqua Slidecoaster, and a state of the art digital sports complex. After completing a transatlantic voyage from Southampton to Boston, this exciting new ship will sail seven-day Caribbean voyages from Port Canaveral, Florida with stops at destinations such as Puerto Plata, Tortola, and St. Thomas. Having set sail on both Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, we can’t wait to see what NCL has in store for us onboard their first Prima Plus ship.
MSC World America – MSC Cruises
Inaugural Sailing Date: 12th April 2025 Maximum Capacity: 6,782 guests Homeport: Miami, Florida
The MSC World America is set to be a groundbreaking addition to the MSC Cruises fleet, and we’re eagerly awaiting its launch from Miami. This ship stands out with its innovative and environmentally friendly design, powered by LNG fuel technology, which helps to reduce emissions. It will boast a striking silhouette against the Miami skyline with its plumb bow and Y-shaped aft. The ship features new onboard concepts including a Sports Bar and a Comedy Club, as well as a re-imagined Sweet Temptations parlour. It will also feature 18 bars and lounges and a microbrewery offering a wide variety of dining and entertainment options, making it perfect for a family adventure. The MSC World America will be sailing 7-night alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. A few of the team have had the chance to cruise onboard her sister ship MSC World Europa in the Med, so we know this ship is going to be a huge hit for those looking for a new ship to sail on in the Caribbean.
Allura – Oceania Cruises
Inaugural Sailing Date: 18th July 2025 Maximum Capacity: 1,469 guests Sailing: Europe then Miami, Florida
The Allura is the second Allura Class ship from Oceania Cruises, sister to the Vista, and is set to launch in 2025. We’re excited to see another ship dedicated to providing The Finest Cuisine at Sea® with new additions such as Ember, and Aquamar Kitchen as well as elevated versions of favourites such as The Grand Dining Room and Polo Grill. The Allura will offer an enchanting experience, inviting guests to discover captivating locations while enjoying a luxurious and immersive cruise experience. Our head of marketing Jess sailed on Oceania’s Vista when she entered service back in 2023 and if those reviews were anything to go by we’re certain you’re going to be blown away by Allura!
Star Princess – Princess Cruises
Inaugural Sailing Date: 4th August 2025 Maximum Capacity: 5,189 guests Sailing: Mediterranean, then Alaska in Spring 2026
The Star Princess is the second of Princess Cruises’ dazzling Sphere Class ships, set to debut in August 2025, and we can’t wait for its inaugural season of Mediterranean cruises. This ship is powered by LNG fuel technology making it one of the most environmentally advanced cruise ships. The design of the ship aims to feel familiar, but at the same time significantly advanced, with new and expanded experiences. Starting with a nine-day roundtrip from Rome visiting destinations such as Corfu, Mykonos and Santorini before moving to Alaska in spring 2026. It offers a wide variety of staterooms and features well-appointed interiors, world-class dining, award-winning casinos and entertainment. Having sailed on Sun Princess we know how popular this second Sphere Class ship will be for those looking to elevate their Princess Cruises experience.
Star of the Seas – Royal Caribbean
Inaugural Sailing Date: 31st August 2025 Maximum Capacity: 7,600 guests Homeport: Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida
The Star of the Seas, the newest addition to Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class, is set to debut in August 2025. This ship has been described as the next combination of the best of every vacation, featuring a huge range of experiences from a waterpark at sea and areas designed for young families to 40+ dining and drinking options. Sailing from Port Canaveral (Orlando), Florida, she’ll be offering 7-night vacations to the Caribbean and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. Considering how popular Icon of the Seas has been over the last year we just know her sister ship Star of the Seas is bound to be a huge hit! It may be a gigantic ship, but those premium cabins do still sell out quickly so make sure you book early if you’re looking to set sail on Royal Caribbean’s newest vessel.
Brilliant Lady – Virgin Voyages
Inaugural Sailing Date: 5th September 2025 Maximum Capacity: 2,762 guests Sailing: North America, then Alaska from 2026
Virgin Voyages’ Brilliant Lady is set to make her debut in 2025, and we’re eagerly anticipating the once-in-a-lifetime journeys she’ll embark upon. This adults-only ship promises a unique experience with itineraries ranging from 5 to 16 nights, spanning across the USA in 2025 before heading to Alaska in 2026. Expect luxurious indulgence, never-seen-before experiences and the pioneering spirit that is synonymous with Virgin Voyages. The inaugural sailing is a 5-night voyage from New York City to Bermuda, however what we’re most excited about is seeing her transit the Panama Canal ahead of a summer season sailing in Alaska. This will be a first for Virgin Voyages as she navigate the waters of the Pacific coast of the USA.
Celebrity Xcel – Celebrity Cruises
Inaugural Sailing Date: 18th November 2025 Maximum Capacity: 3,373 guests Sailing: Caribbean, then Europe
The Celebrity Xcel, the fifth ship in Celebrity Cruises’ Edge Series, will debut in November 2025, and we’re looking forward to experiencing the newest ship in the fleet. It will spend her inaugural season in the Caribbean before making her way to Europe, where she will sail on a range of itineraries of 7-11 nights from Barcelona and Athens. As with other Edge series ships it is expected to have the latest innovations and sleek modern design and is set to offer an unmatched Mediterranean experience with overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. The Edge class has been a game changer for Celebrity Cruises and the feedback we get from guests who sail on this class of ship is always incredible, so we can’t wait to see what Celebrity Cruises has in store for this upgraded version in Celebrity Xcel.
Disney Destiny – Disney Cruise Line
Inaugural Sailing Date: 24th November 2025 Maximum Capacity: 3,466 guests Sailing: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
The Disney Destiny is set to embark on her maiden voyage in November 2025, and we can’t wait to see what this new ship has to offer. The maiden voyage is a special 4-Night Bahamian cruise from Fort Lauderdale. The Disney Destiny will be offering a number of 4-night cruises throughout its inaugural season to destinations such as Nassau, Lookout Cay and Castaway Cay. As with other Disney ships, we’re expecting the Disney Destiny to offer unforgettable experiences with plenty of onboard activities, character experiences and entertainment, lovers of all things Disney, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed when you set sail on their latest addition to the fleet.
